Researchers to develop game-changing vaccine to target hookworm larvae

QUEENSLAND: In a promising stride toward eliminating the scourge of hookworm infections, researchers from James Cook University (JCU) in Australia are delving into the proteins secreted by hookworm larvae as part of the international WORMVACS2.0 initiative. The project, led by Leiden University Medical Centre and supported by the European Union's Horizon Europe program, aims to develop a comprehensive vaccine targeting various life stages of the parasite.
Why Hookworm matters
Hookworms affect nearly 500 million people globally, particularly in tropical regions with limited access to sanitation. These parasitic infections contribute to anemia, stunted growth in children, and reduced productivity in adults. Current treatments rely on medication to eliminate existing infections, but re-infection remains a critical challenge, especially in impoverished regions such as Papua New Guinea and parts of Africa.
The research focus
Led by molecular parasitologist Professor Alex Loukas, the JCU team focuses on identifying larval antigens, or proteins, recognized by the immune systems of individuals previously vaccinated with irradiated hookworm larvae. These findings will complement existing studies on adult-stage hookworm antigens being tested in clinical trials. By combining antigens from both life stages, researchers hope to create a vaccine that provides robust and lasting immunity.
“Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin, migrate through the lungs, and establish themselves in the gut,” explains Prof. Loukas. “Our goal is to target these parasites at multiple vulnerable points in their lifecycle with a multivalent vaccine.”
The bigger picture
The WORMVACS2.0 project brings together experts from Europe, Africa, the United States, and now JCU in a collaborative effort to advance vaccine science. Promising antigens identified by the JCU team will undergo further testing by global collaborators, bringing the world closer to a prototype hookworm vaccine.
The impact of a caccine
An effective vaccine would transform the fight against hookworm, reducing the burden of disease in endemic regions and boosting economic productivity by alleviating the health impacts on communities. Moreover, it would signify a monumental step in combating neglected tropical diseases.